Clearing Agent Docked Over Alleged N500, 000 Fraud

A 40-year-old clearing agent, Olusegun Olarotimi, was on Saturday docked before a Yaba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly obtaining N502, 000 by false pretences from his clients.
Olarotimi, who resides at No. 34 Olowode St., Isara-Remo, Ogun, is facing a two count-charge of obtaining by false pretences and stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp. Peter Nwangwu, told the court that Olarotimi committed the offences on June 4 and Aug. 13, respectively, within the premises of the Tin-Can Island Port.
Nwangwu said that Olarotimi obtained N502, 000 to clear a Nissan space-bus and a Volvo saloon car, belonging to Messers Paul Seriki and Olatunji Oyindasola.
According to him, the accused allegedly obtained the money and documents required for the process, but failed to clear the vehicles.
``Olarotimi on June 4, collected the sum of N170, 000 from Mr Paul Seriki and N323, 000 on Aug. 13, from Mr Olatunji Oyindasola, as payment to clear their vehicles that had arrived at the port.
``The accused, thereafter, absconded with the money and remained incommunicable, until he was apprehended,`` Nwangwu said.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
If convicted, Olarotimi could face up to 15 years imprisonment.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, Adekorede Ajibade, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Oct. 10, for hearing.

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